Boardwalk to update older ride

SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, currently constructing the spinning roller coaster Undertow, will debut another new ride this year.

Cyclone, a ride that spins 33 standing riders for a near three-minute cycle, will be replaced with an updated version, said Brigid Fuller, spokesperson for the Boardwalk.

The park hopes to have the ride open by spring break, according to Fuller.

Cyclone opened at the Boardwalk in 2004, when it replaced the Spin Out tea cup ride located above Cave Train Adventure.

Construction crews are also busy working on the Boardwalk's new roller coaster Undertow, Fuller said, but it is unknown when the ride will go vertical.

Undertow, manufactured by German coaster specialist Maurer Sohne, will take four riders per vehicle on a spinning frenzy throughout 1,410 feet of track. Standing at 50 feet tall, a total of seven cars will be on the track at any given time.

It is expected to open in the summer.

Undertow replaces Hurricane, a roller coaster that made its debut at the Boardwalk in 1992.

The park is currently open for limited ride operations. The season kickoff event takes place on May 18.